Let there be praise

I really enjoyed this recording. Initially I was not sure how these Salvation Army songs would work in ‘Swing’ treatment but my concerns were allayed by the cleverness of the arrangements and the excellent playing of Birmingham Citadel Band. I knew the line-up on saxophone would be well up to the task but it was also good to hear how well the band played with appropriate tone and style and the fine kit drumming deserves a special mention. The arrangements vary in style from Sam Creamer’s ‘St Thomas’-inflected High Over All through Barrie Gott’s classic Light Walk to the old SA favourite Where I love to be as a full-blooded Tango!

The gorgeous sound of the ISB and Dyke trombones sections together is something I'll never forget. So much fun, and the camaraderie was immediate.

Although not musically trained, I find such blessing from 'In the Secret'. Eric Tebbett's voice has a 'yearning' - for want of a better word - as he sings these prayers with the sympathetic accompaniment.

Although only two tracks on this CD are written specifically for saxophone (Damase & Bozza) all the rest fit Saira’s playing beautifully. The over-dubbed duets offer an essential extra sustained quality and this might be an area to explore for future albums. Lovers of classical melodies, SA tunes and good sax playing would all be satisfied by this first, and obviously not the last, solo CD by this highly talented young artist.

The song 'I know thee who thou art' initially came after suffering bereavement, once the theme got started, I could not stop it flowing. The last verse is my favourite, which I often sang to myself as a silent prayer.

When recording the album 'In the Secret' I was acutely aware that I'm merely the messenger, each word, verse and song has a purpose that Albert Orsborn laboured and created through prayer.

Wow! I was blown away with the album 'Water's Edge'. Saira's playing is just superb, with some great musical lines and a big warm saxophone sound.

In the 158 year history of Kneller Hall this was the first time a non-military band had played alongside military bands on the famous ‘rock’ bandstand and from start to finish, Citadel Promotions were professional in every aspect of their organisation of the event.

Citadel Promotions are fantastic to work with, from the moment we sat down to discuss the tracks for my album they were not only supportive but helped me focus on how I could best prepare for my debut album. I look forward to working with them again.